(Posted 2023 December)
Meet Erica Fisher, Administrative Volunteer*
Tell us a little about yourself. What is your professional background?
I spent the first 30 years of my life living in Eastern North Carolina, which I still consider my “home.” I’ve been blessed enough to be a stay-at-home parent for the past 14 years. But now it’s time for me to get back to things I enjoy--like working! And things I’ve been putting off--like going back to school! I’m starting online classes at Liberty University to get a B.S. in psychology—addictions and recovery. Ending the stigma of addiction is something I’m hugely passionate about.
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
I love spending time with my family; we like to play card games, and we’re very serious about Skip-Bo! I like to take walks while listening to music or podcasts. I’ve recently gotten into baking, and I’m really loving trying new recipes.
How long have you been volunteering? What led to your initial desire to volunteer and serve others?
I’ve been with DSVS and DVAC since the beginning of June. Before that, I’ve given my time to helping with inpatient drug rehab. The recovery community is important to me, so I try to give back there when I can.
What interested you in volunteering with Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services?
Being an administrative volunteer has given me an opportunity to ease my way back into a professional career and learn new skills, all while being of service and giving back to the community.
What is the most challenging part of volunteering? How did you overcome this challenge?
Answering the phone is one of my biggest roles. The hardest part for me is when someone calls in distress looking for help, and I don’t know what happens to them after the call ends. Their next step is most likely being assigned to an advocate. I’ve met all the advocates, and I know they’re passionate about their job. Every team member I’ve met with DSVS/DVAC is very passionate about their job and the clients they serve. So, I know the clients are being well taken care of.
What’s the best part of volunteering? Share your most memorable experience.
The best thing for me has been feeling like a useful part of this amazing agency. I love speaking with clients and the public, assuring them they’ve made the right decision to call and they’re no longer in this alone. I also enjoy knowing I’m helping take some of the workload off the other admins and team members. Everyone I’ve met has great respect for the job they do and a passion that radiates. I feel privileged to be a part of this team.
What has been your favorite training? What did you like about it? What did you learn?
In preparation for answering the phones at DVAC, I was able to shadow a couple of the advocates during court accompaniment. A lot of the calls that come in are questions about the court process surrounding protective orders. Going along for court accompaniment familiarized me with that process, some of the questions asked, and understanding the language used around emergency protective orders and preliminary protective orders.
What are your three greatest strengths? How have you been able to display and use these strengths when serving others?
I’m adaptable, which allows me to be thrown into any situation and stay calm under pressure. I’m passionate about helping other people, not only those who desperately need help, but those I’m expected to help. I'm dependable; I do what I’m asked for, on time, and I show up, literally and figuratively!
What advice do you have for people who may be thinking about becoming a DSVS volunteer?
I think you can imagine how rewarding it would be to help anyone experiencing domestic violence. But it’s hard to put into words just how rewarding the work is. If you don’t know what you’d like to do, just go to orientation and see all the available areas open to volunteers.
What do you wish you could do more of as a volunteer?
I would love to spend more time in court with the clients. I think it’s a great service offered, and I’ve seen the way it helps lower the stress and anxiety of the clients to have someone on their behalf, not as an attorney, but just as a person of support.
*By the time this newsletter went to print, Erica had accepted a full time position with Fairfax County and is no longer volunteering with DSVS.
This article posting is part of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services' Volunteer Voices monthly newsletter for current and potential volunteers. If you're not already a volunteer, learn how to get involved. Find out about upcoming trainings, volunteer trainings, happenings around the DSVS office and information about articles, books, media recommendations and more.
Learn more about the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS).